Allergies are a common problem in the United States. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. This number includes both children and adults. The most common allergens are pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
Symptoms of allergies can vary depending on the person. Some people may experience sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. Others may have more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.
There are many ways to treat allergies. The most common treatment is over-the-counter medication such as antihistamines or decongestants. However, some people may also need prescription medication or allergy shots. In addition, several home remedies can be used to treat allergies. These include using a humidifier, washing bedding in hot water, and staying indoors when high pollen counts.
However, the best way to treat allergies is to prevent them from happening altogether.
Keep Windows Closed
Your windows can be a gateway for pollen and other allergens to enter your home. To keep these irritants out, keep your windows closed during peak allergy season. You can also install an air filter in your windows to help trap allergens before they enter your home.
Air filters are a great way to reduce the number of allergens in your home. They can be installed in your windows or your HVAC system. Air filters can trap pollen, dust mites, and pet dander before entering your home. Installing air filters can significantly help to reduce allergy symptoms.
Use Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner can also help reduce the number of allergens in your home. Air conditioners can filter out pollen, dust mites, and pet dander before entering your home. If you don’t have an air conditioner yet, consider hiring an HVAC contractor to install one for you. They can also install heaters and all sorts of appliances inside your home.
Wash Bedding in Hot Water
Dust mites are a common allergen that can cause allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments. Therefore, wash your bedding in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) once a week to kill dust mites. You can also put your bedding in the freezer for 24 hours to kill dust mites.
Install Carpeting
Carpeting can also help to reduce the number of allergens in your home. Carpeting can trap pollen, dust mites, and pet dander before entering your home. A good carpet can alleviate allergy symptoms. If you don’t have carpeting yet, consider hiring a carpet installer to install it for you.
However, carpets can also act as a magnet for dirt, dust, and other allergens. These particles can cause respiratory problems and aggravate allergies. Carpeting should be vacuumed at least once a week to remove these particles. Carpets should also be cleaned every six months to remove deep-seated dirt and dust particles.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming is another great way to reduce the number of allergens in your home. Vacuuming can help to remove pollen, dust mites, and pet dander from your floors and furniture. Vacuuming can ensure that the air you breathe is clean as well. So be sure to vacuum regularly during peak allergy season.
Change Your Clothes
If you’ve been outside during peak allergy season, be sure to change your clothes before coming inside. Changing your clothes can help to remove pollen and other allergens from your clothing. You should also take a shower and wash your hair to remove any allergens that may be on your body.
Keep Indoor Plants
Indoor plants can help to reduce the number of allergens in your home. Plants can filter out pollen, dust mites, and pet dander before they enter your home. This can help to reduce allergy symptoms. If you don’t have any plans yet, consider buying some for your home.
Keep Your Home Clean
A clean home is a happy home. But it’s also a less allergenic home. So keeping your home clean can help to reduce the number of allergens in your home.
One of the things you should do often is to mop. Mopping can help to remove pollen, dust mites, and pet dander from your floors and furniture. Mopping can clean your floors while clearing out any allergens inside your home Sweeping can also help remove these allergens from your home.
Another thing you can do is to dust your home regularly. Dusting can help to remove pollen, dust mites, and pet dander from your floors and furniture. This can help to reduce allergy symptoms.
There are a number of ways to reduce the number of allergens in your home. By taking these steps, you can help to reduce your allergy symptoms and make your home more comfortable during peak allergy season.
